A 46-year-old Stockton native, Canepa was elected in 2010 to represent Council District 3 in a term that ends in 2014. He manages the downtown branch of Canepa's Car Wash, a family-owned business.

Canepa said he's grateful for Silva's nod and is eager to take a new leadership role on the City Council mixed with new and old members. He will take his seat as vice mayor Tuesday at the next council meeting.

"I think the mayor and the vice mayor are the glue for the city of Stockton," Canepa said. "We need to project an image of moving forward."

As vice mayor, Canepa will stand in for Silva at council meetings or city functions. Councilwoman Kathy Miller is the past vice mayor, appointed by former Mayor Ann Johnston.

A St. Mary's High School graduate, Canepa earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's College. He was twice elected to the Lincoln Unified School District board, and he had served for six years on the city's Parks and Recreation Commission.

Canepa and his wife, Leslie Canepa, have been married for 21 years and have two children.

Silva praised Canepa for coming from a family with deep roots in the community. As a businessman, he understands the personal challenge of laying off employees and making budget cuts.

"Paul is somebody that I can trust, and he's not going to undermine the authority and the goals and vision of the mayor," said Silva, calling Canepa "honest and trusting."

Silva has the authority to appoint Canepa as vice mayor without the full council's ratification.

This is just one of several appointments Silva is unveiling.

Silva assigned the seating order on the dais at City Hall. From east to west, they will sit thus: Kathy Miller, Michael Tubbs, Moses Zapien, Silva, Canepa, Elbert Holman and Dyane Burgos.

The mayor and council named their picks for the city's Planning Commission, which will require a vote of approval by the full council. The commission's seven members administer the city's growth plan, called a General Plan, among other duties.